Boy Scouts of America
The relationship between the Boy Scouts of America and Alpha Phi Omega is a longstanding one and in many ways extends back to the origins of the Fraternity.
From its inception, the Boy Scouts of America delivered a strong philosophy in simple terms boys could understand; the Scout Motto, the Scout Slogan, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Frank Reed Horton and Herbert G. Horton observed that Scouts, applying these principles, often sacrificed something personal to help someone else. This philosophy, they decided, could provide a strong foundation for a college fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. They sought out men who shared this belief who were former scouts themselves. In this manner, they started the Fraternity at Lafayette College.
Since forging these strong ties with the Scouting movement at our very founding, Alpha Phi Omega has retained a strong relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. Though participation as a member of the Scouting movement is no longer a prerequisite to membership within the Fraternity, many of our members first gained their interest in service though their activities as a Scout. Chapters across the Fraternity participate in a variety of activities and projects through their local Scout councils, and on a national level, the Fraternity participates in major national events of the BSA, such as National Jamborees, National Order of the Arrow Conferences and National Council Meetings.
For additional information to assist your chapter in developing and expanding its interaction with the Boy Scouts of America, check out the following:
- Boy Scouts of America Fact Sheet – This document has been assembled by the National Scouting and Youth Services Committee to assist chapters with their interaction with the Boy Scouts of America. It details basic information on BSA history, program, age levels, etc. that would be useful for a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega planning a project.
- Boy Scouts of America Project Profiles – This document is a summary of several recent BSA related projects undertaken by chapters across the country. Each of these projects, among others, is detailed within the Service Project Database.
- Boy Scouts of America Project Idea Sheet (this guide is still in development)– An idea sheet developed by the National Scouting and Youth Services Committee to provide basic project ideas to chapters looking to plan a project with their local BSA council.
- Boy Scouts of America Official Website – Visit the Boy Scouts of America official website for links to additional information on BSA and for current news and activities of the organization on a national level.
- Boy Scouts of America Council Finder – Use this link to assist in locating contact information for the BSA council in your area.
- Alpha Phi Omega: Tell Me More – This tri-fold flyer is commonly used to provide basic information on Alpha Phi Omega to organization adults not familiar with the Fraternity. The flyer is available by mail in limited quantities (20 or less) from the National Office.
- Alpha Phi Omega: Continuing the Scouting Tradition – This bi-fold flyer is commonly used to promote membership in Alpha Phi Omega to college bound Scouts. The flyer is available by mail in limited quantities (30 or less) from the National Office.
